The Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee and Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has thrown his support behind the government’s decision to revoke all existing firearm licences nationwide, describing the move as vital for responsible gun ownership and public safety.
His comments come after the Ministry of the Interior announced that, effective Tuesday, June 23, 2026, all firearm licences across Ghana have been revoked as part of a major overhaul of the country’s firearms regulatory framework.
Under the new regime, firearm holders must reapply for licences and undergo tougher vetting procedures, including mandatory mental health assessments, drug screening, and structured firearms training.
Speaking to Metro TV, Toobu, a former police officer, cautioned that Ghana is not immune to the global proliferation of illicit weapons. “There are billions of illicit weapons circulating globally, and Ghana is not an exception. The issue of gun ownership is all about responsible gun ownership,” he said.
He emphasized that while the law allows legitimate firearm acquisition, authorities must ensure that licensed gun owners act responsibly. Irresponsible ownership, he warned, poses a serious threat to individuals, communities, and national security.
“For me, I am happy that the Minister has gone straight away to revoke all licences. People need to reapply, and we need to assess them mentally. We need to know whether they are fit enough to hold a gun,” Toobu added.
The Wa West legislator argued that personal security should reinforce community safety rather than undermine it. He stressed that when firearm possession begins to endanger public peace, authorities have a duty to intervene.
“If the ownership of a gun is gradually threatening the peace and security of a community, and indeed the nation at large, then we must take another look at the situation,” he concluded.
By Eric Bekoe (KOB)
